Parents & Community

On August 21st, 2017 we will experience the first total solar eclipse since 1900, and we won’t experience it again until 2054. The School District of Pickens County is planning to make this day a special educational event for the students of Pickens County by organizing a safe, and engaging viewing experience. We will be providing solar eclipse viewing glasses to every member of the faculty, staff, and student body in all schools courtesy of Duke Energy.

The total eclipse is expected to begin around 2:30 pm in Pickens County, and last approximately 2 ½ minutes. In order to ensure a safe dismissal, the expected dismissal time for elementary schools will be delayed until 3:00 pm, followed by secondary school dismissal at approximately 3:45 pm. While schools plan to provide an opportunity for a safe, educational experience, we understand that some parents may not want their children to participate in a live viewing of the eclipse. When you complete your child’s registration through SDPC Registration Gateway system this summer, you will find a permission form to view the Solar Eclipse. Any student who does not have specific permission to view the eclipse will be provided with an alternative viewing plan (virtual/indoors). Additionally, parents will be permitted to sign their children of school early on the day of the eclipse, but you must do so no later than 1:30 pm so that schools can have adequate time to transition to the eclipse activities. We will also make an adjustment for our 5K students. Please note that 5K students will attend school on Thursday, August 17 and Friday, August 18, and the 5K Readiness Assessment sessions will be scheduled on Monday, August 21 and Tuesday, August 22.

We are looking forward to working together to make this once in a lifetime event meaningful for the students of Pickens County. We wish you and your family a great summer and look forward to welcoming you back to school in August.